Martha Evelyn O'Dell

Martha Evelyn O’Dell, 63, of Rochelle, passed away May 16, 2014 in her home in Rochelle surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10, 1950 in Walnut Ridge, AR; the daughter of G.T. and Mary Kathryn Starnes. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Barbara Stone and is survived by her loving husband David O’Dell, son Carl O’Dell, daughter Jean O’Dell, grandson Tim O’Dell, 3 sisters Susan Turner, Wanda (Aaron) Dunaway, and Sharon McPhearson, one brother Roger Starnes, and 14 nieces and nephews and many other great nieces and nephews. Martha’s love for the Lord Jesus Christ was first most and most evident in her commitment to her family, friends and church. She served in numerous capacities of leadership at Calvary Lighthouse Church where she was a member for nearly four decades. Martha loved Sunday School and served as a teacher in the children’s department. She also was extremely involved in Royal Rangers, and Missionettes midweek program. She helped organize overnight events for the children and participated in the weekend long camping, fund raising, and fun days. Martha was also extremely involved over the years with the Women of Worth (Women’s Ministry). She participated and led in Bible Studies and other small groups, attended over night retreats, special dinners, home and group meetings. One of Martha’s greatest loves was music and she served in multiple areas of the music ministry at Calvary Lighthouse including being on the WorshipTeam, doing specials on Sunday Mornings, doing specials for Illustrated Sermons, and in the Christmas or Easter Cantatas. She was also involved in the choir and attended all the worship workshops. Martha was also involved in the leadership team and never missed a leaders meeting at the church. Her other great love was a passion for the Scriptures! She was a student at the Greater Miracles Bible Institute and was given an Honorary Bachelor’s Degree for her diligent work. She took numerous classes including Old and New Testament Survey, Hermeneutics, Pneumatology, Signs and Wonders, and Apologetics. Martha also had her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and her Associates Degree in Applied Science from Kishwaukee College and took numerous classes in radiology. Martha loved children and would do anything for as many as she could her entire life. She constantly had a project helping out a family or a child in distress. She gave all she could to assist friends and family when it came to their children. At Calvary Lighthouse she would get down on the ground and play with the kids and even roll in the grass to teach and entertain them. A Memorial Service was held on May, 19th 2014 at Calvary Lighthouse by Dr. James Horvath. In lieu of flowers a memorial can be sent to the church in behalf of the family.